Deptford Twp. – The gift of a formal education lasts a lifetime. That is why two area families, the Hustons of Pitman and Slacks of Mullica Hill, have established scholarship endowments worth $30,000 at Gloucester County College to commemorate the memory of loved ones lost.
Nieces Judith Jones of Millville and Pamela Ruane of Randolph bequeathed $20,000 to the College to create the Vernon B. and Edith S. Huston Memorial Fund. One GCC student will be chosen annually to receive a $1,000 award to apply toward tuition, books or fees. Both Vernon and “Edie” committed their lives to public service — education chief among those values.
Shortly after graduating from Pitman High School, Vernon enlisted in the U.S. Navy, valiantly fighting in World War II. Returning to quiet civilian life, he attended Ursinus and Glassboro State Colleges where he earned his bachelor and master’s degrees. He accepted a position at GCC in 1971 as director of Continuing Education coordinating the adult basic-skills program. A true philanthropist, he supported local youths as a counselor for the New Jersey Association for Retarded Citizens.
Edie had a personal commitment to Glassboro State College where she diligently worked for more than 45 years. Her tenure as the president’s assistant spanned four helmsmen including Edgar Bunce, Thomas E. Robinson, Mark M. Chamberlain and Herman James. She also served as the institution’s inaugural ombudsman advocating on behalf of students. Her friendly face was well-known within the community as she presided as the first woman chairperson of the Gloucester County United Way.
“They were very loving and giving people,” said Jones. “All we knew growing up was Gloucester County College and Glassboro State College. If anyone ever needed help in the family, they saw to it we received assistance.”
“It was like everyone was their kids,” said Ruane. “Vernon and Edie loved kids and they loved education. It was what they were all about.”
In addition, David N. Slack gifted $10,000 to GCC in the form of the Kathleen L. Slack Memorial Scholarship to honor his late wife. A native to the town, she graduated from Woodbury High School in 1969 where she cultivated her artistic talent. Although an aspiring artist, she devoted her life to raising her daughter.
Slack’s husband David wished to continue her legacy of caring, compassion and charity. Her mother, Eleanor Loper, suggested starting a scholarship at GCC. She spent most of her career working for the College in the departments of Human Resources and Continuing Education. An award of $500 will be allotted yearly to one qualified, deserving student.
“I decided to give this money to Gloucester County College because I know it will make a difference and have an impact here,” said Slack. “This is the type of thing Kathleen believed in. I know she would approve.”
“On behalf of students, I want to thank these families for their generous gifts,” said Dr. Frederick Keating, president of GCC. “The gift of an education is one of the greatest to give. This will be well-received and appreciated by generations of students to come.”
The GCC Foundation possesses $3 million in total resources and gifts more than $175,000 annually to students from within the community. Endowments are designed to provide perpetual scholarship opportunities to students through strategic investments.
Gloucester County College’s 250-acre campus is located at 1400 Tanyard Road in Deptford, right off Exit 56 of Route 55.
